Colombia's President Says 'I Would Resort to Weapons Once More' should American Forces Intervenes Militarily.

President Trump and Colombia's president have escalated the rhetoric of their exchange, heightening tensions bilaterally after US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He runs narcotics facilities and processing labs and his time is running out," the US president stated.

Escalating Tensions and Claims

Talking to reporters over the weekend, Trump threatened similar armed intervention against Colombia, claiming the country is “very sick too” and governed by a problematic figure involved in producing the drug and distributing it to the US."

Although Colombia is the leading cocaine-producing country, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way involved in the illicit industry.

A Deteriorating Relationship

Colombia was historically a key ally of the US in the fight against narcotics trade and received cross-party backing in the US capital, but relations have deteriorated dramatically following Trump assumed the presidency.

The nation's illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters demobilised after a 2016 peace deal.

Colombia's Firm Answer

Upon being questioned whether armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me."

The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the 1990s, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am no illegitimate nor am I a drug trafficker," he affirmed.

"The US president speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he posted in a message.

"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will become thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And should they arrest the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of the population loves and respects, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.

From Guerrilla to President

The president dedicated a period in his early life participating in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed to have ever participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he took part in creating the constitutional rewrite in 1991 subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.

"I made a vow to never again hold a gun ... but for Colombia I shall resume weapons once more," he vowed.

Reinforced Protection along with Broad Opposition

The Colombian defence minister announced that the national leader's personal security had received additional support.

A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, but voices spanning Colombian politics have rejected the possibility of American military action on Colombia.

Bilateral and Economic Strains

The US revoked his travel authorization following he called on US military personnel to ignore orders that violate law. In October, authorities imposed asset freezes targeting Petro, the first lady and various associates.

At the same time while America bolstered its troop levels in the region and bombing suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out attacks on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.